History, Poetry, and the Art of Biography, with Lewis Bowling

"I love to read, I devour books—wouldn't it be nice if I wrote something that somebody else would love to read?" — Lewis Bowling

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike Carlon sits down with Lewis Bowling—author of 14 books, columnist, and educator at Duke University and North Carolina Central University. Lewis shares how a childhood love of reading sparked a lifelong passion for writing, why he focuses on nonfiction and history, and the story behind his latest book on Sam Ragan, North Carolina’s literary godfather. From his first library under his grandfather’s bed to his deep dives into archives for biographies, Lewis offers insights into the craft of writing and the joy of preserving history.

Roots of a Writer: Lewis Bowling’s writing journey began with a box of old westerns under his grandfather’s bed and trips to the local library. Nonfiction Passion: Lewis prefers biographies and history over fiction, finding inspiration in real stories and lived experiences. First Book Milestone: His debut book chronicled the history of Granville County, sparking a career that now spans 14 titles. Sam Ragan’s Influence: Lewis’s latest work explores the life of North Carolina’s literary godfather, a man who shaped the state’s cultural identity. Research Over Writing: For Lewis, the thrill of writing starts with meticulous research—often more enjoyable than the writing itself. Current Project: He’s 80% through a biography of Eddie Cameron, the namesake of Duke’s iconic basketball arena. Advice for Writers: Writing isn’t just typing words—it’s living, observing, and channeling experiences into stories.

Buy Sam Ragan: North Carolina's Literary Godfather